Introduction to Pottery (8 Week Course - July, Sunday Mornings)

If you've never worked with clay before, our 8-week Introduction to Pottery course is the perfect starting point! This course is designed to immerse beginners in the world of ceramics by focusing on hand-building techniques, the cornerstone of pottery creation. Hand-building not only enables you to craft functional and artistic pieces using simple tools but also establishes a strong foundation for exploring wheel throwing or sculpture work in the future.

Throughout the course, you will learn and practice essential techniques, including:

• Coil building: Create organic and structured forms by layering and shaping coils of clay.

• Slab construction: Build larger, more complex pieces by joining flat sheets of clay.

• Pinch potting: Shape clay into elegant forms using only your hands.

• Surface decoration: Explore texturing, carving, and glazing to personalize your creations.

By the end of the course, students can expect to complete 2-4 finished pieces, showcasing their newfound skills. These pieces are a testament to your journey as a ceramic artist and a starting point for future explorations.

Graduates of this course will qualify for membership at MUD. As an added bonus, if you choose to sign up for a membership after your class, you’ll receive a complimentary 25 lbs bag of white stoneware clay to kickstart your creative projects.

Whether you’re looking to explore a new hobby, develop a deeper appreciation for ceramics, or lay the groundwork for advanced techniques, this introductory class is the ideal place to begin your pottery adventure!

Please note:

• MUD does not offer make-up classes for missed sessions, including absences due to illness, travel, or personal scheduling conflicts. Our classes follow a structured curriculum, and missed instruction cannot be rescheduled. We encourage students to carefully review the class dates before enrolling to ensure they can attend all sessions.

• This class does not offer any wheel throwing instruction.

• There is an additional firing fee of $3 per pound for each piece a student wishes to glaze fire and take home, but no firing fee is applied to bisqued work.

• In the event of adverse weather conditions, MUD Ceramics Studio will remain open for classes unless a Travel Advisory is issued recommending the suspension of non-essential travel.